According to the Mayo Clinic, most babies begin to cut their first teeth around the age of six months. Classic signs of teething include drooling, swollen gums, crankiness and chewing on solid objects. If rubbing the child’s gums or providing a cold teething ring doesn’t seem to work, many over-the-counter products can ease pain. Parents looking for a more natural approach also have several options; a few tried-and-true herbal remedies for teething may provide pain relief.
Chamomile
Chamomile tea may help soothe the pain of teething, according to Andrea Candee, author of “Gentle Healing for Baby and Child.” Steep 1 tsp. dried chamomile flowers in 1 cup boiling water for 10 minutes, then strain and chill in the freezer until cold. Soak clean cotton gauze pads in the tea, and apply directly to the child’s swollen gums. Keep a frozen supply of the pads on hand for fast relief when your baby needs it most. For particularly fretful babies, try giving a dropperful of warm chamomile tea several times throughout the day.
Clove Oil
A common home remedy for toothaches, clove oil may also provide pain relief for teething infants. In his book “Your Sick Child,” John D. Mark recommends diluting 1 to 2 drops of clove essential oil in 1 tsp. vegetable oil, then applying with a clean cotton swab to the child’s swollen gums. Repeat the treatment several times per day as needed. Never apply clove oil to a child’s gums without diluting first, however, as it may cause burning or irritation.
Frozen Banana
If the child is eating solid food and you’ve already introduced him to fruit, a frozen banana may provide relief from the pain of teething. In the book “1,801 Home Remedies,” the editors of Reader’s Digest recommend peeling a whole banana, slicing the fruit in half, placing each half in a freezer bag, and freezing it for several hours. When the child needs quick pain relief, allow him to chew in one of the pieces. The cold sensation helps numb painful, swollen gums. Do not give a frozen banana to infants who have not begun eating solid food.
Other Remedies
Another common home remedy for teething is placing an ice cube in a clean wash cloth and rubbing it on the child’s gums. Don’t allow the ice itself to touch the gums, however, and keep it moving so any one spot doesn’t become too cold. Several over-the-counter herbal teething remedies exist, many of which contain chamomile, clove oil and willow bark, a natural pain reliever. If you don’t have access to herbs and oils, or you prefer not to make your own remedies, check local natural health and drug stores for herbal alternatives to traditional teething gels and salves.
About this Author
Willow Sidhe is a freelance writer living in the beautiful Hot Springs, AR. She is a certified aromatherapist with a background in herbalism. She has extensive experience gardening, with a specialty in indoor plants and herbs. Sidhe’s work has been published on numerous Web sites, including Gardenguides.com.
